UCC-SPC partners with SIAST to find volunteers for project in Ukraine

March 13, 2006 -- The Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) is implementing an exciting new development project in Ukraine.

The Decentralized Management of Skills Training Project is being delivered through a partnership involving SIAST, the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) and the Ukrainian Ministry of Labour and Social Policy (MOLSP).

Targetting improved efficiency and market orientation of the skills training system for the unemployed in Ukraine, the Decentralized Management of Skills Training Project supports the efforts of the MOLSP to coordinate training supply with labour market demand. Establishing active partnerships between training institutions, employers and the community-at-large is an important component of the project.

Two vocational schools from three pilot regions -- Dnipropetrovsk, Zakarpattya and Rivne -- will be involved in project activities in the coming year. Each of the six pilot schools has identified a skills training program that needs to become more relevant to the local labour market.

Although they hold teaching degrees, many of the teachers from the vocational schools have limited formal training and practical work experience in the technical aspects of the programs taught.

SIAST is seeking experienced technicians to work on a one-on-one basis with these teachers to help them develop the required technical skills.

With the assistance of the UCC-SPC, SIAST is recruiting Ukrainian-speaking Canadian volunteers to act as mentors and assist the Ukrainian teachers in their skill development. Applicants must also be specialists in one of the following areas:

• Welding
• Cabinet Making
• Painting/Stucco Application
• Carpentry
• Machining
• Cooking

Successful applicants will travel to Ukraine for approximately two weeks to work one-on-one with a Ukrainian vocational teacher. SIAST will provide an outline of the skills development or upgrading required as well as guidance and direction on the delivery of the mentorship.

Volunteers will be reimbursed for return economy airfare from Saskatchewan to Ukraine, in-country travel, accommodations and meals during their assignment in Ukraine. A salary or honorarium will not be paid as the work of individual volunteers will be considered as an in-kind contribution to the project.

Major funding for this five-year project (2005-2010) is being provided by the Canadian International Development Agency. Significant in-kind contributions from other Canadian sources are anticipated.

For further information about this unique opportunity, please visit the project website at www.siast.org.ua or contact:

Grant MacTavish
SIAST - International Services Division
Tel.: (306) 933-7877

If you are interested in volunteering, and meet the criteria, please complete the Application Form (jpg) and fax to:

Danylo Puderak
Ukrainian Canadian Congress
Saskatchewan Provincial Council
Fax: (306) 665-2127